Kathryn was surprised that Vance survived the explosion Pitch caused. She wasn't sure what cover story Black Flag used for all the noise in the middle of the night. She had made sure her brother was okay and told him she'd explain everything later when she had a chance but for now she had to aid in the study of the lab’s newest specimen. The containment crew grabbed Vance and brought him in and he was now in a cell alongside other contained Cryptids. Unconscious but alive. Kathryn had already taken several samples of blood, hair, and skin for testing.
She couldn't help but feel excitement at the prospects and possibilities this opened up. This could be a missing like that'll finally close some of the gaps in knowledge when it comes to Cryptids. Her equipment dinged to indicate it had finished processing the samples and she looked over the analysis. Vance’s human DNA was still partly intact but much of his genetics had been corrupted and altered after the infection. However the process was not as far as it should have been and the signature was so different from the ones on file for the Wendigo types that already existed in the system.
Part of it did resemble that signature but other parts didn't. In fact it looked like the sample contained parts of multiple Cryptids in its signature. In addition to Wendigo there was also a bit of Doppelganger and Succubus. She raised an eyebrow at this. “He's… a Chimera?” She then hears sound from the containment cell as Vance wakes up. “Where-” his eyes widen as he sees his surroundings. “What the-” Kathryn moved over to the cell. “Good morning sleepyhead. Well I say morning but it's actually really late at night an entire day after you were knocked out.”
Vance looks at the different Cryptids in containment. A ghoul, some amphibious creature that looked like a large mutated mudfish, a werewolf looking creature, and there was even a cell with a potted vine plant in it. He smiled wickedly. “It seems what attacked me wasn't the only monster and there's an entire secret ecosystem of these things. I have further to climb then I thought but thanks to you I'm in the perfect place for my continued ascension. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet in here.”
Kathryn scowled at him. “You're not leaving this cell anytime soon Vance. You're going to be studied with the other Cryptids until we figure out exactly what's going on.” Vance tilted his head. “Cryptids? Like Bigfoot? Does that mean the thing that attacked me was one?” Kathryn nodded. “Wendigo, pop culture variant. Wendigo are capable of infecting humans and converting them.” Vance looked at his own hands. “Well I'm not a Wendigo.”
Kathryn looked over the data. “No, you're some sort of Chimera. You seem to have bits of Doppelganger and Succubus in you but I'm not sure how.” Vance smiled wickedly once more. “I think I may have a hypothesis for you Doctor. I am what I eat.” Kathryn looked up at Vance with knitted eyebrows. “Come again?” Vance’s wicked smile only grew. “Turns out the captain of the hockey team and his cheerleader girlfriend were Cryptids the entire time. A Dopple and a Succubus respectfully. I killed them and partook of their flesh like a good predator should. It seems I keep what I kill which is why I'm so happy to be here now with all these fine specimens.” Vance licks his lips hungrily.
Kathryn shivers in disgust. “You are vile, sick and twisted. You belonged in a cage, even before losing your humanity. All this did was give you an excuse to be what you really are and allowed the outside to match the rotted and festered insides.” Vance gets right up to the transparent duraplex barrier between himself and Kathryn and breathes in heavily through his nose. “How can you stand there being so mean while smelling absolutely intoxicating?~”
Kathryn makes a face of disgust but doesn't respond verbally as Vance continues to be a creep. “That sweet smell.” he licks his lips. “It makes me want to taste you. To put you in my mouth and savor the flavor of you. It makes me want to put your supple flesh in my mouth and feel your juices running down my throat and cheek.” Vance then licks the duraplex barrier. Kathryn gags a bit, unclear if he's talking about sex or food, almost throwing up in her mouth from how revolting both ideas are to her. “I would never consent to such a thing.” Vance laughs maliciously. “Hahahaha, how cute. You think I need your consent. I'm an apex predator, if I don't get what I want, I simply take it by force. The best part would be seeing James’ pathetic face when he learns of what I've done to his girlfriend. Or perhaps I'll make him watch as I ravish you.”
Kathryn gets closer to the barrier and jabs her fingers in the duraplex. “You're never getting out of here, I'll make sure you rot in that cell.” Vance smiles wickedly once more as he rubs his hands together with a sinister snicker. “No denial of being his woman? I wasn't fully serious when I said that but the lack of rebuttal proves me right.” He then puts his open hands in front of himself with the palms facing upwards before blowing hard on his hands. This causes some pinkish purple glittery smoke to hit the duraplex and go through the small air holes and into Kathryn's face and eyes with her accidentally breathing it in with a cough.
Vance then takes a sweet but sinister tone. “Now how about you be a good girl and open this cell. I promise to show you a good time if you do~” Kathryn coughs a few times before quickly pulling a switch to pull out the excess of the stuff Vance put in the air, then hits another to hit Vance with tranquilizer. “Have the subject moved to a controlled environment cell similar to a succubus, he has access to the pheromones.” some other scientists move to do so while the supervisor checks in on Kathryn. “Are you okay? I was sure you breathed that in.”
Kathryn nodded. “I did, but for some reason when he spoke I felt zero compulsion to aid him. Not even a little bit with me fighting the urge. There was zero urge.” The supervisor gets a lot and takes a few swabs from Kathryn’s face as well as blood and saliva samples. “I'm going to run a few tests. You can get back to work.” Kathryn does just that. After a while of focusing on taking samples and running tests the elevator opens and Pitch steps out.
Pitch walks over to check on Kathryn. “How's it going?” Kathryn doesn't look up from her work. “It's going.” She continues for a moment before pausing. “Wait a second, how'd you get down here?” Pitch responded simply. “They gave me clearance after the whole thing with Vance. Because I helped in his capture they now know that I know about Cryptids. Speaking of that horrid individual, I don't see his cell.” Kathryn does a quick stretch. “We had to have him moved. It seems he can mimic the abilities and traits of other Cryptids that he's eaten in addition to his root type. Wendigo, Doppelganger, Succubus. At least he hasn't gotten access to something that can't be killed with traditional weapons yet.”
Pitch grumbles. “So not only is he a monster but he is what he eats. A Chimera that can continue to evolve by co-opting the abilities of other monsters. I'm glad he's locked up now.” Kathryn sighs. “This place might not be the best holding area for him, if there's a mass breach-” Pitch interrupted her. “Everyone here would die regardless and he'd have an all you can eat buffet. I get it. It's a good thing this place is secure.” Kathryn sets down the work she's doing and walks over to Pitch. “We should go out after work. I want to do normal couple things. I just… want to step away from the weirdness. I mean don't get me wrong I love discovering new things and Cryptids are fascinating… it's not like work is going anywhere so I'd like a normal day.”
Pitch thinks about it. “Where would we even go? It's the middle of the night. Even the late night fast food places stop service before our shift ends. The only places still open are the twenty four seven convenience stores, the super store, and the twenty four seven breakfast restaurant.” Kathryn lights up a bit. “Ohh, pancakes, waffles, and French toast.” Pitch chuckles. “Okay okay, I get it. I'll take you to breakfast after work.” He then kissed her forehead. “Is there any way I can help with your work?” Kathryn shook her head. “Not really. I'm just waiting on test results.”
At the mention of receiving test results the supervisor returns with his own test results. “So according to these tests you had only minor exposure, so minor your body was easily able to break it down. It seems you are covered in activated charcoal particles so small they can't easily be seen with the naked eye that absorbed most of the… toxin before it reached your system.” Pitch tilted his head. “What's he talking about? Did a Cryptid try attacking you?” Kathryn takes a look at the lab results herself. “Vance tried using pheromones like a succubus to compel me to free him.”
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Pitch blinked a few times. “Oh.” he then waits in silence as he waits for Kathryn to finish up looking over the results. She hands them back to her supervisor. “I'm not sure when I got activated charcoal on me, but it's good to know it can defend against succubus pheromones. Be sure to add that to the file for future reference so Black Eagle can better fight a rogue succubus if they have to.” The supervisor nods. “Already did. I'll let you get back to work now.” He then leaves the two alone.
Kathryn is now able to focus on Pitch. “So did you get in with Black Eagle? You were going to try and convince Ishwada to let you be a consultant or something and regularly do missions. How's that going?” Pitch sighs. “He gave me his personal number and we've been texting. I might be able to convince him but then he'd have to convince his superiors. Superiors who may or may not know I'm a Cryptid myself.” Kathryn gives a small nod. “But you weren't born that way.” Pitch grumbled. “Neither was Vance, and you see how that turned out.” Kathryn then reminds him. “Vance is a monster in the truest sense, he belongs in a cell. You at least try to do the right thing.”
Pitch sighs. “I've still done some terrible things, and even if it's just criminals and unsavory individuals, I still have my… unique dietary requirements.” Kathryn put a hand on Pitch's shoulder. “The fact you feel guilt and remorse over what you've become and what you've done is proof enough of your humanity. At least to me. You didn't have a choice in what you are, but you did have a choice in how you reacted to it. You chose the lesser of the various evils, the best of a list of bad options. You are a good person.” Pitch looks at the floor. “My humanity? Can you even say I have any? This body is nothing more than a mask, a facade. What do you think they would do to me if I were to suddenly abandon the masquerade? They'd lock me up with the rest of the monsters that pose a threat to humanity.”
Kathryn tightens her grip on Pitch's shoulder. “These people aren't exactly a moral compass pointing to the moral north, they are not without sin. You don't need to be so hard on yourself.” Pitch nods and Kathryn moves in for a hug. “You are making the best of a bad situation and trying to help people. As far as I'm concerned, you're more human than most people I know. It's ironic in a way.” Pitch chuckles at that and hugs back. The two then get back to work until they finish their shift.
Once their shift is down the two clock out and meet at Pitch's jeep. They hop in and go to the breakfast restaurant. The two are quickly seated and begin looking at the menu. After a while they set the menus down, ready to order. Kathryn orders blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip waffles, and French toast. Pitch orders the hungry man combo that comes with three different kinds of sausage, bacon, eggs, and two slices of toast. They both order milk to drink, hand over the menus, and wait for their meals.
While they wait, Kathryn takes the opportunity to talk some more. “I'm going to assume you only ordered food for appearances.” Pitch smiles “In this form I can taste things so sometimes I eat for the pleasure and nostalgia of it. Speaking of eating, I'll probably have to take care of that soon. Things have been so hectic lately that I've forgotten to track my days.” Kathryn Taos the table. “That's not good, I'd suggest taking care of that tomorrow.” Pitch nods and the two sit in silence for a moment before the food is brought out.
The two take their time eating and eventually finish up. Pitch pays the bill and gits ready to leave. “I know this wasn't exactly a romantic dinner, but technically it is only our first date.” Kathryn giggled. “I didn't even think about that. We've been through so much in such a short time since we reunited and only agreed to start dating a short time ago. It feels like it's been more than a month but it's only been like… a week or so.” Pitch laughs as the two get back into his jeep. “Well either way I enjoyed this little respite.” Kathryn nods. “A nice change of pace and some proper rest to reset every now and again is good.”
Pitch taps at the steering wheel a few times. “So where am I taking you?” Kathryn is a bit confused by the question. “What do you mean? You're taking me home obviously. I think I'm going to go straight to bed and crash.” Pitch nods and drives her home. Once there he walks her to the door. “I'll see you tomorrow then.” Kathryn nods and gives him a kiss on the cheek. “See you.” Once the door is closed Pitch drives home. He looks up at the night sky. “I still have a few hours before daybreak. Maybe I should get myself a quick meal today rather than wait.” Pitch goes inside and opens the window before dropping his facade to go hunting.
Pitch finds someone he mentally marked previously as a target, some drug dealer that's been slinging crap on kids for years. Pitch didn't take his time to scare the poor man, but simply took his chance the moment he was alone in a poorly lit area. Pitch didn't even give him a chance to scream and put a tendril over the man's mouth before snapping his neck and ripping him apart for consumption. Once the deed was done Pitch went straight back home as the sun was going to be starting to rise soon.
The next day when Pitch clocked in after doing some minor cleaning and maintenance he headed down to the lab. This time he took his time looking at all the Cryptids they had there. He recognized a lot of them from the Cryptid forums and the descriptions given in the files he's already read. Some, however, are either completely new to him or ones he simply hadn't read up on yet. There were a lot of different varieties of these monsters after all. Pitch thought to himself that since he didn't need sleep he might as well read every file in that tablet when he had the chance, but that could wait till later.
Pitch takes a moment to observe a slimy looking mudfish Cryptid on his way to check on Kathryn and their prisoner Vance. “That is one ugly looking mother fucker.” A scientist who's running tests on it looks to Pitch. “I see you've met the Mississippi Mudfish.” Pitch knots his eyebrows. “I've never heard of that one before. Things uglier than the Hodag. Thank fuck that one's definitely a hox.” The scientist laughs. “We bought this guy before he got caught on camera or seen by locals, or at least before enough people witnessed it for it to gain traction on one of those Cryptid forums. We've definitely learned from our failures with Sasquatch, Mothman, and the Jersey Devil. Don't get me started with the devil. That thing still gives me nightmares. I'm glad that the bastard is in the New York facility in Manhattan.”
Pitch nods with his hand on his chin. “What's its root? What phobia is this uggo tied to?” The scientist looks at his pad. “We don't know. Maybe something to do with a fear of the swamp or bayou? Fear of murky water? Honestly it's hard to tell since we've only got the two specimens. One here and one in New Orleans. Oddly enough this guy was found in the pollution of the Wisconsin River rather than a bog or something like its relative. We are still trying to figure out if it migrated all this way or if it spawned here. That would be a big help in figuring out its root.”
Pitch continued to look at it for a moment before asking: “I'm well aware of a vast variety of Cryptids with most spawning from emotions that are seen as negative like fear and hate. I'm curious if you're ever encountered one clearly created by positive emotions. I'm not talking about things like angles that you suspect may have existed but have yet to find in the modern age.”
The scientist smiles and nods enthusiastically. “There is one specimen we've encountered that is so far unique but definitely tied to happiness and joy in some way. It's basically the therapy dog of Cryptids. An entity simply known as “The Tickle Monster”. It's an adorable little thing but exposure is still limited to those that use it. More than a few hours can be potentially hazardous. There is in fact such a thing as too much of a good thing.” Pitch smiled at hearing about this Tickle Monster. “I’d definitely like to meet this critter. I could use a dash of wholesome every now and again.” The scientist nods. “I'll be getting back to work now.”
Pitch gives his farewells and leaves the scientist to study the mudfish. He quickly locates Kathryn who's studying Vance. “Any luck?” Kathryn groans in frustration. “Not really. The files on existing Chimeras are not helping because of how rare they are and how unique they tend to be. I've probably re-read the file on the Jersey Devil a dozen times.” Pitch nods with a hum as Vance pounds on the duraplex barrier that is void of air holes this time and has its own isolated air system. Pitch ignores Vance and continues to talk to Kathryn. “How about you fill me in starting with the Jersey Devil. Assume I know nothing about it. I only have, at the most an, entry level of knowledge. So… it's not far off.”
Vance shouts from his cage. “Are you just going to ignore me?! I swear when I get out of here I'll make you watch as defile and ruin everything you care about. You won't be my equal forever. I will surpass you! I've seen what you really are James. It's only a matter of time. You only won because you had help and used technology. If I caught you alone-” Pitch glares at Vance and interrupts him. “You haven't even seen a fraction of my true self. The only reason you are alive right now is because we had witnesses. I would have snapped your neck without breaking a sweat if you caught me alone.”
Pitch then clears his throat and indicates for Kathryn to talk. Kathryn nods and begins. “So the story most people in Cryptid forums know for the origin of the Jersey Devil is that there was a mother who had several kids. Like… a dozen kids and she was pregnant with her baker's dozen. She became convinced it was a devil and was induced into an early labor birthing the abomination we know as the Jersey Devil.” Pitch nods and goes “uh-huh.” To indicate he's listening.
Kathryn continues. “That story is, as I understand it, mostly accurate. The working theory is that her fears, stress, and anxiety about the kid caused a focused amount of the emotional energy that causes Cryptids to form. This altered her child to becoming a hybrid Cryptid. Since like with the Onrio or Poltergeist it was one person with a strong and concentrated amount and there were different negative emotions aimed directly at the unborn it was able to take in more than one type of root. This caused it to have features with different roots making it a Chimera. Normally multiple emotions don't mix like that resulting in the Fear Pollution theory.”
Pitch nods “So Chimera are rare and each one is unique. So what do you think caused his Wendigo infection to mutate?” Kathryn slapped the duraplex. “That one's easy, his twisted ideals fed into the Cryptid sample polluting and mutating it.” Pitch nodded with his hand on his chin. “That seems like a solid working theory.” While Vance pounds on the barrier and complains about them treating him like he's invisible. The two then move to some casual talk before going on to finish their shift.